title: Embryonic stem cell extracts: use in differentiation and reprogramming.
abstract: Stem cells have been studied extensively for decades and they have the inherent capacity to self-renew as well as to generate one or more types of specialized cells. The current focus of research on stem cells, particularly on embryonic stem cells, is on directed differentiation of these cells into specific cell types for future regenerative medicine. For the past few years, the process of reprogramming, which mediates conversion of somatic cells to their pluripotent state, has been given much attention, as it provides a possible source of autologous stem cells. In addition, understanding the molecular mechanism of differentiation and reprogramming has long been a subject of interest. In this article, we have briefly introduced stem cells and discussed the use of embryonic stem cells in reprogramming of somatic cells and differentiation to different lineages. The application of embryonic stem cells extracts in inducing reprogramming and transdifferentiation has also been described and discussed. Should this approach be successful, patient-specific cells will be produced safely and the likelihood of rejection will be decreased when used in cell therapy for many debilitating human diseases for which there is no cure such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and others.
authors.affiliation: Stem Cell Laboratory, School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Jinnuo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Kuldip
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sidhu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D057005:Bioengineering / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects*; D002457:Cell Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D065150:Cellular Reprogramming / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D057026:Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological
chemical_list: D002457:Cell Extracts